Airbag control unit with part number 8L0 959 655 C

What does the airbag control unit 8L0 959 655 C do?

The airbag control unit 8L0 959 655 C is the central control unit of the SRS restraint system of Audi. It evaluates the signals from the crash sensors and decides in an accident, within milliseconds, which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners are triggered. A fault is reported via the airbag warning light.

The manufacturer number Bosch 0285001176 is additionally printed on the housing.

After an accident the unit stores crash data and locks itself. What this means for the repair is explained in the next section.

Why does the control unit 8L0 959 655 C fail?

The most common cause is stored crash data after an accident, even without a triggered airbag. A normal diagnostic tool cannot remove this data. Further causes are aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connections, and voltage spikes.

• aged electronic components
• cold solder joints
• moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting

Airbag24 erases the crash data during the repair, so that it is no longer stored in the unit afterwards.

How can you tell that the 8L0 959 655 C is defective?

A defect shows up as an airbag warning light that stays on constantly or intermittently, or as a fault message in the instrument cluster. A missing connection to the diagnostic tool or a fault memory that cannot be cleared also belongs here. Airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to trigger in an emergency.

Start with the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster, because it shows the finding directly. A light that comes back indicates a fault that is recorded in the fault memory. The other signs complete this picture.

Which vehicles is the 8L0 959 655 C fitted in?

The assignment to vehicles is made via this part number. The 8L0 959 655 C is fitted in these vehicles: Audi S3 8L (1999-2003); Audi A3 8L (1996-2000) and 8L Facelift (2000-2003).

The list gives the models in which the unit with this part number was installed:

• Audi S3 8L (1999-2003)
• Audi A3 8L (1996-2000)
• Audi A3 8L Facelift (2000-2003)

Compare the part number on the label of the removed control unit with this page, so that you can be sure you have the right unit. Also have the fault memory read out, because only this result shows whether the control unit itself is the cause or a plug or a cable.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 0285001223, 0285001304, 0285001352, 1J0 909 601 A, 285001352, 8D0959655E.

How does the repair of the 8L0 959 655 C work?

First have the fault memory read out, attach the log and disconnect the battery before the control unit is removed. Then create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, renews worn components, erases the crash data and carries out a function test. After that, your own unit is sent back to you.

Our repairs come with 2 years' statutory liability for defects.

The repaired control unit comes back with all vehicle data and is ready for use as soon as it is refitted — no coding or programming is required.

How does the control unit 8L0 959 655 C get to Airbag24?

You send the unit to Airbag24 as a parcel or book a UPS collection for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns your own unit by UPS.

Enclose the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the control unit shock-proof.